Advice for 3 gun build

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 13, 2013

I have several receivers, BCGs, LPKs, grips, etc. I'd like to start piecing together a 3 gun rifle. I need a barrel, RE, stock, handguard, and comp. I think I have a line on a fluted 18" rifle gas stainless barrel. My main concerns with choices are the stock, handguard and comp.

I'd like a fixed stock. Is there anything wrong with a MOE rifle stock for this purpose? I've also looked at ACE stocks. Would either of them provide a proper cheek weld?

What about handguards?

There are a million comps out there. You can segregate them by tactical and competition purposes. There are a couple like the Titan and Rolling Thunder that I see mentioned a lot for competition use, but there are a bunch of others out there. Is there something that would work better yet but isn't widely known because most stick with those two? Which ones should I look at?

Wall · Jul 13, 2013

Dustin Cantrell said:
There are ~~a couple like~~ only the Titan and Rolling Thunder

there, that's better

threegungeezer · Jul 13, 2013

As far as comps I run several rolling thunder Comps.If you take your time and tune it right I dont think you can do any better. I also use A2 stocks and like them. As far as handguards, first you need to decide on length and then material. my Open gun has a APcustoms 15" carbon fiber one. I like it but I am not sure about durability yet. My primary tacops gun has a plain old aluminium 12" Model 1 ($35) from Midway and like it fine as well. I am not in the top 50% most matches but I get there on a stage or 2. It really is personal preference and budget. :triniti:

Topshotdudley · Jul 14, 2013

As far as comps go I love the Seekins precision! The AP custom hand guard is awesome! The PRI looks nice too.
I use and Moe stock works just fine!

Matt1911 · Jul 14, 2013

I use the JP comp and it works great, but I've been wanting to try out the Rolling Thunder to compare for myself.
The VLTOR mod stock is tits.
I like aluminum handguards like the Troy Alpha or the Samson evolution.

Show up to a match and there will be plenty of guys willing to let you check out their gear.

boomer mooner · Jul 14, 2013

I'm not a 3-gun expert but I've been shooting AR's a while. The Magpul MOE stock is solid, cheap and, for me, provides an excellent cheek weld. I'm no help on the comp and I'm trying to figure that out myself right now. I shot at the last 3-gun at OKC gun club and figured out the hard way I needed a longer handguard so I don't make the mistake of resting anything but the handguard on whatever rest that may be available for a stage.

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 14, 2013

I think I might order a MOE rifle stock. I'm going to check out the VLTOR MOD stocks, though.

Ordered a AP customs 15" handguard.

Still undecided on the comp. Has anybody seen the videos of the Lantac Dragon? Preorder is next week with a 6 week lead time, though. http://www.youtube.com/user/LannerTactical

Thank you all for your input!

B. Rigsby · Jul 15, 2013

I've been using the Rolling Thunder on my 18" barreled rifle for the past 4 matches. I wouldn't use anything else now.

rmuller · Jul 15, 2013

Titan/Lund and Rolling Thunder are the most popular followed by the Miculek.
Titan is very aggressive and very effective. If you have a very light setup it is almost too much comp.
the RT can be tuned and if done correctly is pretty hard to beat.

If you are running a 16" barrel with a 15" handguard you will end every offhand rifle stage with black fingers..believe me. For that setup I would recommend the RT or Miculek.

If you are planning to use a 18" or 20" barrel then I would go with the Lund brake. Like i said, it is not a favorite of RO's that stick too close but is definitly effective.

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 15, 2013

I'm very close to ordering a Rolling Thunder, but I keep eyeing the Seekins ATC. Anybody have first hand experience with both?

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 15, 2013

Oh, I'm going with a 18" barrel and 15" handguard. Now I just need a barrel, gas block and comp to finish this.

jtischauser · Jul 16, 2013

JP Low Mass Bolt Carrier, Adjustable gas block, Loud ass comp, stainless barrel. The rest is all personal preference.

Bob Sanders · Jul 16, 2013

Jesse Tischauser said:
JP Low Mass Bolt Carrier, Adjustable gas block, Loud ass comp, stainless barrel. The rest is all personal preference.

Serious questions. Why loud ass comp? And would any bolt run in LMBC? I assume the adjustable gas block lets you tune recoil impulse, and tune to LMBC. I ask because I may build a Frankengun 3G to use until I get what I really want, then pass it to the boys to share.

jtischauser · Jul 16, 2013

Loud comp = effective comp typically
Adjustable gas block allows you to turn the gas down some to make the gun recoil less and shoot flatter.

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 16, 2013

Jesse Tischauser said:
JP Low Mass Bolt Carrier, Adjustable gas block, Loud ass comp, stainless barrel. The rest is all personal preference.

I'll possibly upgrade to a JP LMOS later.

Anybody use a set screw adjustable gas block on a barrel not dimpled for set screws? Looking at the Seekins low profile adjustable gas block but don't have the barrel yet so not sure if it's dimpled for set screws.

So far:
Seekins forged lower
PSA forged upper
Geissele SD-3G trigger
PSA LPK
BCM BCG
Magpul MOE stock
AP Customs 15" handguard
KNS trigger pins
BAD lever
Stippled UCWRG grip

Going to get an 18" rifle length gas barrel and then just need to figure out gas block and comp.

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 16, 2013

TacticalK9 said:
dimpling your barrel is nothing. find your sweetspot and than remove the set screw, vice up the upper and with the appropiate drill bit (1/8 usually) give light pressure than blue locktite the setscrew

which barrel are you getting? im in that phase too

I wouldn't think it'd be hard with a vise and drill press, but I'm afraid the bit would wander as I don't have a drill press. Dimple it off center and then when you tighten the set screws the gas block goes off center. That's what I'm worried about.

I have a line on a Satern barrel. Just waiting on them to come in hopefully within the next week.

PapaWheelie · Jul 17, 2013

Dustin,

Most of the comps mentioned will work just fine and are effective.

My advice would be to pick one of the known, proven comps (Seekins, RT, Titan, SF, JP). Then shoot a couple of magazines at a 50 yd. plate rack and learn the timing of the rifle.

Good luck with your build and let me know if there is anything I can help with.

Kalani

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 18, 2013

It's getting closer! Got the stock and associated parts today. Mocked it up with the handguard.

I have a Primary Arms Micro Dot on there for now. It's a cheap RDS and an Aimpoint Micro copy so I'll see how it does. Not the best choice for 3 gun but I'm going to try it. I'm right handed and left eye dominant. I've never been able to acquire a dot with both eyes open unless I close my left eye and then reopen it. Even then, my left eye fought for dominance. I tried it tonight and I can shoulder the rifle and acquire the dot with both eyes open. If I close my left eye the dot doesn't move so my eyes have changed a bit. I've been shooting rifle with my left eye shut previously, no matter the sight or distance. This is HUGE for me! I'm pumped.

BTW, anybody tried the UCWRG grips? I love them!

nikatkimber · Jul 19, 2013

Where'd you snag one for $75?

Dustin Cantrell · Jul 19, 2013

TacticalK9 said:
You are way ahead of me. Ill have the lower and the scope this weekend. upper/handguard/barrel are on order and ill get the little pieces here and there.

BTW I paid $75 for my 15" AP Customs handguard

What's your build going to look like? What parts are you planning to use?

After placing an order with Tony, I have exactly one part left to acquire... the barrel. I'm hoping to get a barrel on the way to me quickly.